What does it mean to be a nerd today? That's the question explored in the premiere episode of Mandy Kaplan's new show, "Make Me A Nerd.” To help out, she’s joined by filmmaker and frequent collaborator Tommy Metz III who brings something he nerds all over: Marvel’s Legion on FX.
First, it’s memory time. They reminisce about their own nerdy interests growing up, from Mandy’s childhood crush on Batman's sidekick Robin, to Metz's love of horror comics over traditional superhero fare. They examine how properties like The Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things have brought elements of geek culture to the mainstream.
Despite this mainstreaming, Tom’s pronouns are “outsider” when it comes to hugely popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To quantify his nerd factor, Mandy has him take a Buzzfeed quiz on the topic. Questions range from his Harry Potter bona fides to his video gaming prowess. In the end, Metz scores an impressive 86% on the nerd scale, which will be immediately documented in his permanent record.
The conversation then turns to homework: Legion, based on the Marvel character. While normally averse to superhero adaptations, Tom is obsessed with it, which of course makes it the perfect fodder for helping Mandy on her own nerd journey.
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What is Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan?
Hey folks. Mandy Kaplan here. I’d like to share a bit about my intentions and mission for MMAN if you’ll indulge me. You will? Huzzah!
Look, I am a lot of things. I’m a writer, actress, mother, and lover of musicals and cats, but NOT Cats, The Musical. Give me a little bit of credit, would ya? So...throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded (and intrigued) by all things nerd. A sister who plays D&D, a Star Wars-obsessed husband, friends who love anime, comic books, video games, and...well, you get the picture. Somehow, I have always held it all at arm's length. Not to get too deep, but maybe I never thought I was smart enough to follow it. Or maybe I have control issues and have never been able to embrace fantastical things like dragons and time travel. Until now!
So, with an open mind and heart, I am ready to join this massive (and beautifully inclusive) club and GEEK THE #%$ OUT! It’s time for all my wonderfully strange friends to baptize me into NERD-DOM. Please join me on this journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover or remember a side of yourself along the way. Or at least make fun of me as I try!